Degrees for Education

Program Overview
Robert Morris University offers a Secondary Teacher Certification Preparation program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. This program provides students with the course work required for Pennsylvania state teacher certification in the following areas:
Applied Mathematics
Biology
Business, Computer and Information Technology
Communication
English
Social Studies

Students take a combination of graduate and undergraduate courses to fulfill academic requirements. Completion of the program requires a 16-week semester of supervised student teaching and the successful completion of all required Praxis examinations.

If you wish to pursue a Master of Science degree in either Instructional Leadership or Business Education at RMU concurrently with the Secondary Teacher Certification Preparation program, you must apply for admission to the master’s degree program of choice and follow all graduate admission requirements and procedures. You also should notify the Graduate Admissions Office of your intention to pursue the two programs concurrently.

Career Opportunities
Job opportunities for teachers over the next 10 years should be excellent, due mostly to the large number of teachers expected to retire. There are currently 6.3 million teaching positions in the United States, and employment opportunities are expected to increase. In addition, over one million teachers will retire in the next five years, leaving our nation with a potential shortage of over two million teachers.

Teaching is a highly respected profession which provides a regular daily and weekly work schedule, time off each year, excellent benefits, job security and opportunities to continue your education. The salary range for teachers in the U.S. is $30,000 to $80,000 per year with an average salary of $44,367 per year.

Application Procedures
Students should submit the following credentials to the Graduate Admissions Office:
A completed application and a non-refundable $35 application fee. Or apply online for free.
Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.

Admission Requirements
In order to qualify to begin studies at RMU, you must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA). If you do not meet this requirement, the program director may use other state-approved methods of calculating the GPA to determine if you qualify to begin studies. Students who then meet the GPA requirement will be permitted to enter the University on a conditional basis to begin taking courses.

Admission to Teacher Certification Candidacy
Once enrolled at the University, you will be required to submit the following items in order to be evaluated for teacher certification candidacy status:
Two letters of recommendation
Passing scores on the Praxis I (pre-professional skills test) in reading, writing and mathematics
All required Act 151 (33 and 34) clearances and FBI fingerprinting
All required immunization and health test records

In addition to these items, you will be evaluated to determine if you have fulfilled the state’s academic course requirements, which include successful completion of:
Six credits of college-level mathematics
Three credits of college-level English composition
Three credits of college-level English or American literature

You must meet the above outlined admission criteria prior to being officially admitted to the teacher certification candidacy and student teaching portions of the program.

Program Overview
Robert Morris University offers an Elementary Teacher Certification Preparation program for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. The program provides the coursework required for Pennsylvania state teacher certification for kindergarten through grade six.

The program is based on the principles of developmentally appropriate practice to serve the needs of diverse populations of children through the development of active, constructive and collaborative learning experiences. Completion of the program requires a 16-week semester of supervised student teaching and the successful completion of all required Praxis examinations.

If you wish to pursue the Master of Science in Instructional Leadership degree at RMU concurrently with the Elementary Teacher Certification Preparation program, you must apply for admission to the master’s degree program and follow all graduate admission requirements and procedures. You also should notify the Graduate Admissions Office of your intention to pursue the two programs concurrently.

Curriculum
Experts cite a great demand for teachers who can teach computer skills to their students and make effective use of technology as a teaching tool in the classroom. However, research shows that only 15 percent of all teacher candidates nationwide receive adequate training in using technology in the classroom.

RMU’s Elementary Teacher Certification Preparation program was designed to meet the new Pennsylvania standards for technology education as well as the National Education Technology Standards established by the International Society for Technology in Education.

If you hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education related field, you must meet the following requirements for elementary teacher certification in the state of Pennsylvania. The elementary education coordinator will evaluate your academic transcripts to determine which of the course requirements have already been met through previous study.
Core Requirements - 3 credits each
COSK1220 Reading and Writing Strategies
COSK1221 Argument and Research
ELIT1070 Children’s Literature
HIST1020 United States History I or
HIST1025 United States History II
HUMA1010 Humanities: Art and Music
INFS1050 Fundamentals of Information Systems
MATH1020 Pre-Calculus or
MATH1050 Math Reasoning/Applications
PSYC1010 General Psychology
Science Elective (3 credits from ENVS, BIOL, PHYS or SCIE)

Major Requirements - 3 credits each
GEOG1020 World Geography
MATH2010 Fundamentals of Mathematics
POLS1020 American National Government
PSYC2620 Child Psychology or
PSYC3550 Human Growth and Development
ENVS1160 Ecology of a Changing Planet or
SCIE1020 Fundamental Science Concepts

Education Requirements - 3 credits each unless noted
(*graduate-level equivalent course)
EDUC2000 Schools and Society or
EDUC6000* Critical Issues Affecting American Education

EDUC2100
Educational Psychology or
EDUC6010* Theories of Learning and Instruction

EDUC3010
Special Needs in the Elementary Classroom or
EDUC6080* Special Learning Problems

ELED3050
Educational Assessment or
EDUC6020* Assessment/Educational Statistics

EDUC3025
Instructional Design and Classroom Management or
EDUC6060* Curriculum Design and Development

ELED1000
Technology Literacy for Education or
EDUC6100* Multimedia Design or
EDUC6110* Computers in the Classroom

ELED2000
Electronic Media for Teachers or
EDUC6210* Internet/Basic Web Page Design

ELED3350
Elementary Content Area Reading and Assessment
ELED6800 Enhancing Instruction in Elementary Social Studies
ELED6810 Enhancing Instruction in Elementary Math and Science
ELED6820 Enhancing Instruction in Elementary Reading and Language Arts
ELED4060 Elementary Field Experience I
ELED4061 Elementary Field Experience II
ELED4200 Supervised Student Teaching (13 credits)
ELED4210 Student Teaching Seminar (2 credits)

Career Opportunities
Job opportunities for teachers over the next 10 years should be excellent, mostly due to the large number of teachers expected to retire. It is projected that 1.7 to 2.7 million new public school teachers will be needed nationwide by 2008-09. Each year, more than 150,000 public school teachers are hired to replace teachers who have retired or left the profession, to fill new positions in growing school districts or to address special needs.

Teaching is a highly respected profession which provides a regular daily and weekly work schedule, time off each year, excellent benefits, job security and opportunities to continue your education. The salary range for teachers in the U.S. is $30,000 to $80,000 per year with an average salary of $45,771 per year.

Application Procedures
Students should submit the following credentials to the Graduate Admissions Office:
A completed application and a non-refundable $35 application fee. Or apply online for free.
Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.

Admission Requirements
In order to qualify to begin studies at RMU, you must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA). If you do not meet this requirement, the elementary education coordinator may use other state-approved methods of calculating your GPA in order to determine if you qualify to begin studies. Students who then meet the GPA requirement will be permitted to enter the University on a conditional basis to begin taking courses.

Contact Person:
Kathleen Valentine, Chair
Satterlee 112A, (315-267-3314 (valentkm@potsdam.edu)

The Master of Science in Education in Curriculum and Instruction has been designed to meet the needs of two groups of candidates:
Professionals with Initial New York certification and who seek to complete the academic requirements for Professional certification inone of the following disciplines. Each candidate will develop an individualized program of study, in collaboration with the candidate’s adviser. This program of study will be designed to be functionally relevant to the candidate’s Initial certification area:
Business/Marketing
Childhood Education (1-6)
Dance
Early Childhood Education (Birth-2)
French 7-12
Health Education
Music
Spanish 7-12
Theatre
Visual Arts
International students who wish to develop their English-language skills and learn about teaching in United States schools but who are not eligible to receive Professional certification in New York. (This concentration is only available on the Potsdam campus.)
For more information about this program, contact Andrew Ha, Program Coordinator, at (315) 267-2124, or haak@potsdam.edu

Requirements for Admission

In addition to the General Graduate Admission Requirements, candidates for graduate admission must also satisfy the following requirements:
Submission of a copy of a current teaching certificate (Concentration A only).
A minimum grade point average of 2.75 (A=4.0) in the most recent 60 semester hours of undergraduate study.
Submission of three letters of recommendation from persons who can provide information about the academic and teaching potential of the applicant (e.g., former or current professors, school administrators).

Additional Degree Information
Candidates are strongly encouraged to review the Policies and Procedures in the Graduate Catalog, focusing on the specific information related to education programs.

Candidates holding New York Initial certification in areas other than those listed above must consult with the department chair prior to enrollment to discuss the feasibility of completing this program.

All degree candidates are required to successfully complete an action research project GRED 687) or thesis (GRED 699) designed to synthesize their academic experiences.

A minimum of 33-34 credit hours with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher is required for the granting of the Master of Science in Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

Student progress is carefully monitored throughout the program based on demonstration of appropriate knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Candidates are provided with information on program expectations in their first semester. Those not making satisfactory progress will be counseled by their advisor and may be dropped from the program.
Course Requirements Credits

A. Concentration for Candidates holding Initial Certification in an Eligible Title

Core Requirements 12
GRED 634 Philosophical Foundations of Curriculum & Instruction 3
GRED 616 Curriculum and Evaluation (content linking) 3
GRED 635 Educational Research in Curriculum & Instruction (content linking) 3
GRED 687 Action Research. 3

Content or Content Linking Courses 6

In addition to the content linking courses identified above, candidates must complete 6 additional credits of content or content linking courses, selected in consultation with the adviser and in relation to the candidate’s initial certification area. Content courses are graduate courses offered by academic departments; content linking courses are graduate courses developed jointly by faculty in the content areas and education faculty and which include content linked to pedagogy.

Candidates holding early childhood or childhood certification should include study in the range of the core academic disciplines found in elementary school curriculum. All other candidates must work closely with their adviser to select content or content-inking courses that are relevant to their Initial certification.

Current courses identified as content linking include the following; candidates should consult with advisers on any other courses that may have become identified as content-linking courses:
GRED 504 Using Spreadsheets in Teaching School Mathematics 3
GRED 505 Topics in Mathematics for Elementary Teachers 3
GRED 516 Diversity and Advocacy in Education 3
GRED 517 Integrating the Arts into the Elementary Curriculum 3
GRED 522 Creative and Affective Experiences for Young Children 3
GRED 531 Creative Problem Solving 3
GRED 534 Teaching Mathematics in a Technological World 3
GRED 548 Literacy & Literature for Young Children 3
GRED 549 Adolescent Literature & the Teaching of Literacy 3
GRED 552 Teaching Vietnam: The Cultural/Historical Travel Program 3
GRED 574 Navajo Cultural Exchange Program 3
GRED 595A Science & Literature: An Interdisciplinary Model 3
GRED 595S Perspectives in Schooling, Culture and Ethnicity: A Caribbean Experience 3
GRED 690 Special Social Studies Education Content Topic 3
GRDG 615 Literacy/Family/School/Community Collaboration 3
GRDG 620 Literacy & Linguistically Diverse Learners 3

Graduate Education Electives 15
Five graduate education courses, selected with prior approval of the adviser.

Total required credit hours 33

B. Concentration in Language Acquisition for International Students (Non-certification Program)

This program does not lead to a teaching certificate in New York State and is not a TESOL program. It is specifically designed for international students who desire to improve their own language skills as they acquire a background in American education. The program involves placement in an elementary or middle school at least one day a week throughout the spring semester.

Core Requirements 22
GRED 558 Literacy I: Methods-Childhood 3
GRED 559 Literacy II: Methods-Childhood 3
GRED 576 Practicum I (Immersion in English language usage) 1
GRED 586 Practicum II (Formal Observation & Participation) 3
GRED 634 Philosophical Foundations of Curriculum and Instruction 3
GRED 660 Educational Research 3
GRED 665 Language & Culture 3
GRED 699 Thesis Research 3

Education Electives 12
Four graduate education courses selected with prior adviser approval

Total required credit hours 34

Candidates may select the following additional optional courses (in addition to the 34 credits needed for graduation) to develop their written language skills further:

GRED 595c The Development of Writing 1
GRED 595c The Development of Writing II 1

The following courses meet state certification requirements or as support for the degree program.
RED 5147 Developmental Reading (3 credit hours) OR
RED 3012 Basic Foundations of Reading (3 credit hours)
RED 5517 Classroom Diagnosis and Development of Reading Proficiencies (3 credit hours) OR
RED 4519 Diagnostic and Corrective Reading Strategies (3 credit hours)
LAE 3414 Literature for Children (3 credit hours) OR
LAE 5415 Children’s Literature in Elementary Education (3 credit hours) OR
LAE 4464 Survey of Adolescent Literature (3 credit hours)
LAE 4314 Language Arts in the Elementary School (3 credit hours) OR
LAE 4342 Teaching Language and Composition (3 credit hours)
Additional Graduation Requirements
Complete the comprehensive examination.
Complete a portfolio according to program guidelines. This portfolio requires demonstration of professional growth, reflection, and proficiency in the 12 Florida Educator Accomplished Practices.
Pass Reading K-12 Subject Area Exam of the Florida Teacher Certification Examination.
INDEPENDENT LEARNING

The MEd program also requires a practicum experience. Practica are independent learning activities that take place in authentic settings in which students must apply, reflect on, and refine knowledge and skills acquired in the program.
Admissions

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions and Registration section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline(s).

In addition to the general UCF graduate admission requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
Possess or be fully eligible for a professional teaching certificate in one or more other teacher certification specializations in Florida.
Application Deadlines

Reading Education MEd Fall Priority Fall Spring Summer
Domestic Applicants Jan 15 Jul 15 Dec 1 Apr 15
International Applicants Jan 15 Jan 15 Jul 1 Nov 1
International Transfer Applicants Jan 15 Mar 1 Sep 1 Dec 15

FINANCIALS

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which includes descriptions of UCF fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

College : Education Degree : MA
Department : Educational Research, Technology and Leadership Option : N/A
Program Websites : http://education.ucf.edu/insttech/

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Master of Arts in Instructional Technology program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals in various settings. It enables candidates to complete courses in traditional, Web, and mixed mode (with one face-to-face meeting every other week). The program offers tracks in educational technology, instructional systems and e-learning enabling candidates to pursue careers in business and industry, K-12 and higher education.

CURRICULUM

All three tracks of the Instructional Technology MA require a minimum of 39 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. The Educational Technology MA curriculum includes 15 credit hours of instructional technology core courses, 15 credit hours of professional specialization, six credit hours of electives, and three credit hours of practicum. The Instructional Systems MA and the e-Learning MA curriculum includes 15 credit hours of instructional technology core courses, 12 credit hours of professional specialization, 9 credit hours of electives, and three credit hours of practicum.
Admissions

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions and Registration section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline(s).

In addition to the general UCF graduate admission requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
Letters of recommendation.
Statement of professional and academic goals.
Résumé.

For more information about the MA program, visit the program website at http://insttech.education.ucf.edu.
FINANCIALS

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which includes descriptions of UCF fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions and Registration section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline(s).

In addition to the general UCF graduate admission requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.

Students may not switch from an MA program to an MEd program, or vice versa, without going through the university’s admission process.
Application Deadlines

All application materials must be submitted by the appropriate deadline listed below.

Varying Exceptionalities MA Fall Priority Fall Spring Summer
Domestic Applicants Jan 15 Jul 15 Dec 1 Apr 15
International Applicants Jan 15 Jan 15 Jul 1 Nov 1
International Transfer Applicants Jan 15 Mar 1 Sep 1 Dec 15

FINANCIALS

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which includes descriptions of UCF fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

College : Education Degree : MA
Department : Child, Family and Community Sciences Option : N/A
Program Websites : http://education.ucf.edu/prog_page.cfm?ProgDeptID=41&ProgID=30

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Master of Arts in Exceptional Education MA program is for noneducation majors or previously certified teachers in another content area.

Admissions

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions and Registration section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline(s).

In addition to the general UCF graduate admission requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.

Students may not switch from an MA program to an MEd program, or vice versa, without going through the university’s admission process.
Application Deadlines

All application materials must be submitted by the appropriate deadline listed below.
Exceptional Education MA Fall Priority Fall Spring Summer
Domestic Applicants Jan 15 Jul 15 Dec 1 Apr 15
International Applicants Jan 15 Jan 15 Jul 1 Nov 1
International Transfer Applicants Jan 15 Mar 1 Sep 1 Dec 15

FINANCIALS

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which includes descriptions of UCF fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

Both LAE 6637 and LAE 6936 require action research as the independent learning experience for this program.
Admissions

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions and Registration section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline(s).

In addition to the general UCF graduate admission requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
Current Florida Professional Teaching Certificate in English Language Arts Education or have completed all the requirements for that Professional Teaching Certificate.

Applicants who have graduated from an accredited university or college teacher certification program in another state or country, in the appropriate subject and/or grade range, may also be admitted to the MEd program at the discretion of the program director.

Students may not switch from a MA program to a MEd program, or vice versa, without going through the university’s admission process. Courses used to gain initial state certification may not be transferred into a MEd program.
Application Deadlines

English Language Arts Education MEd Fall Priority Fall Spring Summer
Domestic Applicants Jan 15 Jul 15 Dec 1 Apr 15
International Applicants Jan 15 Jan 15 Jul 1 Nov 1
International Transfer Applicants Jan 15 Mar 1 Sep 1 Dec 15

FINANCIALS

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which includes descriptions of UCF fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions and Registration section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline(s).

In addition to the general UCF graduate admission requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.

Students may not switch from a MA program to a MEd program, or vice versa, without going through the university’s admission process.
Application Deadlines

All application materials must be submitted by the appropriate deadline listed below.

English Language Arts Education MA Fall Priority Fall Spring Summer
Domestic Applicants Jan 15 Jul 15 Dec 1 Apr 15

Late applications will be considered on a space-available basis.

International Applicants Jan 15 Jan 15 Jul 1 Nov 1
International Transfer Applicants Jan 15 Mar 1 Sep 1 Dec 15

FINANCIALS

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which includes descriptions of UCF fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions and Registration section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline(s).

In addition to the general UCF graduate admission requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
Official, competitive GRE score taken within the last five years.
Evidence of course work approved for the basic state of Florida bachelor’s teaching certificate.
Application Deadlines

Educational Leadership MEd Fall Priority Fall Spring Summer
Domestic Applicants Jan 15 Jul 15 Dec 1 Apr 15
International Applicants Jan 15 Jan 15 Jul 1 Nov 1
International Transfer Applicants Jan 15 Mar 1 Sep 1 Dec 15

FINANCIALS

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which includes descriptions of UCF fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.